January 31: What Happened on This Day in History
January 31st marks the 31st day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 334 days (335 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 31st in history, famous birthdays on January 31st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 31.
What happened on January 31?
Here's what happened on January 31st in history:
- 2022: Sue Gray, a senior civil servant in the United Kingdom, released an initial version of her investigative report examining potential COVID-19 lockdown breaches at Downing Street, known as the 'Partygate' scandal.
- 2019: American singer Mariah Carey performed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, sparking controversy among women's rights activists who urged her to cancel the concert in light of ongoing human rights concerns.
- 2009: Johanna Sigurdardottir is named new interim prime minister of Iceland by the country's coalition political parties, marking a significant moment in Icelandic political history.
- 2007: Lee Bergere, a notable American actor who was born in 1924, passed away on this date.
- 2005: The high-profile child molestation trial of superstar Michael Jackson commences in Santa Maria, California, drawing significant media attention and public scrutiny.
- 2003: The Chicago White Sox announced a 23-year naming rights agreement with U.S. Cellular, renaming Comiskey Park to U.S. Cellular Field for US$68 million. This corporate rebranding marked a significant moment in sports marketing and stadium sponsorship.
- 2001: Gordon R. Dickson, a renowned Canadian science fiction writer who significantly contributed to the genre, passed away. Born in 1923, Dickson was known for his imaginative storytelling and influential works in speculative fiction.
- 1980: On January 31, 1980, a tragic event unfolded in Guatemala City when indigenous protesters occupied the Spanish Embassy. Guatemalan security forces stormed the building, resulting in a devastating fire that killed 36-41 people, including many indigenous activists who were protesting against government repression. This incident became a significant symbol of human rights violations during Guatemala's brutal civil conflict.
- 1979: On January 31, 1979, Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping and President Jimmy Carter signed historic diplomatic agreements, officially normalizing diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China. This landmark event marked the end of nearly three decades of diplomatic isolation and represented a significant geopolitical shift during the Cold War era, opening new channels for communication, trade, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
- 1974: McDonald's founder Ray Kroc purchased the San Diego Padres baseball team for $12 million, marking a significant moment in sports business history. This acquisition demonstrated Kroc's business acumen beyond the fast-food industry and his interest in sports ownership.
What famous birthdays are on January 31?
On January 31st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Justin Timberlake]()
Justin Timberlake (1981)Globally renowned pop singer, actor, and former member of the iconic boy band NSYNC.
![Jackie Robinson]()
Jackie Robinson (1919)Jackie Robinson was a groundbreaking baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, becoming the first African...
![Tallulah Bankhead]()
Tallulah Bankhead (1902)Iconic American actress known for her powerful stage performances and flamboyant personality.
![Portia de Rossi]()
Portia de Rossi (1973)Australian-American actress known for her roles in 'Ally McBeal' and 'Arrested Development', and her marriage to comedian Ellen DeGeneres.
![Jean Simmons]()
![Thomas Merton]()
Thomas Merton (1915)Thomas Merton was a prominent Trappist monk, writer, poet, and social critic who significantly influenced 20th-century spiritual and...
![Minnie Driver]()
Minnie Driver (1970)Acclaimed British actress and singer-songwriter known for her Oscar-nominated role in 'Good Will Hunting' and her versatile performances in...
![Preity Zinta]()
Preity Zinta (1975)Prominent Bollywood actress known for her vibrant performances in numerous hit films, who also ventured into film production and television...
![Kerry Washington]()
Kerry Washington (1977)Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful roles in films like Ray, Django Unchained, and the TV series Scandal.
![Carol Channing]()
Carol Channing (1921)Iconic Broadway and Hollywood actress known for her distinctive voice and comedic roles.
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on January 31?
On January 31st the following celebrities died:
![Moira Shearer]()
Moira Shearer (2006)A renowned Scottish ballerina and actress, Moira Shearer was a principal dancer with Sadler's Wells Ballet and gained international fame...
![Christopher Jones]()
Christopher Jones (2014)American actor known for his roles in counterculture films of the 1960s, particularly in 'Wild in the Streets'.
![Lizabeth Scott]()
Lizabeth Scott (2015)Prominent Hollywood film noir actress known for her roles in classic movies like 'Dark City' and 'Desert Fury' during the 1940s and 1950s.
![Molly Ivins]()
Molly Ivins (2007)Prominent American journalist and political commentator known for her sharp, satirical writing about Texas politics and culture.
![Florence Bates]()
- Udo Lattek (2015)
Legendary German football manager who coached Bayern Munich and the German national team, winning multiple European and domestic titles.
- Gabby Gabreski (2002)
Francis 'Gabby' Gabreski was a renowned American fighter pilot and World War II hero, credited with being one of the top American fighter...
- Richard von Weizsäcker (2015)
German politician who served as the 6th President of Germany from 1984 to 1994, known for his significant role in German reunification and...
- Miklós Jancsó (2014)
Miklós Jancsó was a renowned Hungarian film director celebrated for his unique cinematographic style and profound political narratives,...
- Terry Wogan (2016)
Terry Wogan was a beloved Irish radio and television broadcaster who became a national icon in the UK and Ireland, known for his witty and...
What day of the year is January 31?
January 31st marks the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 334 days remaining until the end of the year (or 335 days in case of leap years).
January 31st is the 31st day of the month of January.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 31?
The zodiac sign associated with January 31st is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
